Title: Faithless Author: Celebrant Peredhil (CelebornEstel@aol.com) Pairing(s): Glorfindel/Elrond (Elrohir/Elladan for what 2 paragraphs?) Rating: PG Summary: Elrond's depressed, then drunk, Glorfindel's like a mother, Elrond's like a child and did I mention Elrond's drunk. It went from anguish to fluff... Disclaimer: We all love Tolkien. ::shrug:: I barely get feedback --;;; Warning (only if necessary): incest in the far, far background. You can suffer two paragraphs. Feedback: I'll beg for it. Will that help? I haven't got feedback since Battle's Poison (Thranduil/ Legolas) >>; My FIRST Authors Note: FEEDBACK!! Just ahead of time, I wrote this before reading any Glrofindel/Elrond fanfiction that I can recall but when I did read some after finishing Ch. 1 I noticed that CJK (lena@warpedcore.net)'s is VERY close to mine. I didn't know. Great minds think alike ^_~ Lots of Thanks to my Beta Reader ( Tsunami ) ^^ "Faithless is he who says farewell when the road darkens." -Tolkien "Reality is what refuses to go away when I stop believing in it..." -- Philip K. Dick Chapter 1: Elrond entered his son's room accompanied by a look of frustration and affection. They were simply adorable nestled up to each other, hands entwined and identical looks of exhaustion and delight plastered upon their faces. He despised the location of their rooms right next to his on both sides. Yet, they were luckily away from anyone else's. Their screams, moans, and squeals were easily heard although somewhat muffled by walls and pillows. Elladan yawned snuggling his face into Elrohir's neck when Elrond sighed in observation of the display left from the love making that had occurred nearly fifteen minutes earlier. The twin's naked forms lay atop each other, pale skin shimmering in the candle's light. The blanket was beneath them knocked halfway off the bed. They had both taken after their father with raven black hair -- In more places than one... Elrond thought. They, in public at least, carried the same dignity and honorable will... Elrond sighed ... and then they had their mother's eyes... It wasn't that it was wrong, or Elrond thought it wrong, simply that his mind wasn't willing to accept it. He would eventually, but now he couldn't care less. He closed the door leaving Elrohir's room and walking to his own. As usual it was lit dimly darkening the room. It had stayed that way after Celebrian's departure to the Havens... In the far corners of his mind it was he that he had truly blamed for her torment. He felt she shouldn't go, but had said nothing. Then -- The cork of the wine he had been opening popped off. The scenes played through his mind while he poured the remainder of the bottle into his goblet. Collapsing into a chair he stared silently into the fire drinking sips until the glass was drained. Anyone looking in would have pitied the sight. Elrond was sobbing in guilt, face buried in his hands. He had resisted weeping for an entire week. He didn't want to, he wanted to retain some dignity. He was to proud, to stubborn... Stubborn... Elrond gave a choked cry. Celebrian had constantly told him he was stubborn... He had wept before, and remembered crying the most, when Gil-Galad's death came. Elrond recalled weeping the night away when sensing it. When Gil-Galad had given him Vilya it was more so as if he had placed his life into his hands. Life was so difficult to figure out and he was so tired. He began to get up and fell back into the chair. The wine had taken effect sooner than he'd thought and he had doubted how strong the wine of Mirkwood was. One glass and now he could not even remove himself from a mere seat. He began to cry in frustration as he recalled once doing as a child. "Oh, Elrond," Glorfindel said sighing, he was looking in from the hall passing by. Elrond hadn't seemed well at the council but for him to weep... Elrond had taken Celebrian's departure, the few days before ... five he thought, worst than he had even imagined. Laying a warm hand upon Elrond's shoulder the blonde elf whispered soothing words until Elrond calmed himself a bit more. Glorfindel helped him to the bed with encouraging words and motherly care. Then, the most unexpected thing happen. Elrond clung to him sobbing into his chest muttering, "Please say you'll stay... Please... I'm afraid to be alone..." Either Elrond was indeed quite drunk or this had drove him to fear of solitude. Probably both, thought Glorfindel. Glorfindel looked down at the Elven lord -- His lord, once a great and powerful leader and warrior and now reduced to this, a weeping child. Ai, Elbereth... He had been in this darkened room all week. After a few minutes of "I'll stay" 's, "Quiet now, I'm here," 's, and kisses to Elrond's forehead Elrond had finally managed to fall asleep in Glorfindel's arms closing his eyes. "Goodnight, Dear Elrond. Sleep well," Glorfindel whispered into the lord's ear. "My what an imbroglio there shall be in the morning..." He pulled the blanket over Elrond and himself and fell asleep as well. * * * "Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." -Leo Buscaglia Elrond groaned. His head hurt severely and his stomach wasn't in much better health. Why DID his head hurt? All he could remember from the night before was glancing at his sons and then drinking the remainder of some wine. It couldn't have been the cause could from a small glass could it? Unless ... it hurt his head to much to think. He nuzzled closer to his pillow, at least he thought it was a pillow. It was silky on his face and strangely warm ... he opened his eyes. This could not have been a pillow ... but it probably was. It was every other morning for the past eight days. He had often woke up expecting to wake to the sight of eyes that were a perfect mimicry of Galadriel's or Celeborn's blonde-white hair. To his surprise, blonde hair was across his face. He could even smell a fragrance very much like oranges. He'd always loved the smell of oranges. Celebrian! His Celebrian... "Celebrian!" he whispered into the neck of the creature. He moaned softly, even a whisper was beyond painful. Glorfindel woke to his voice allowing his opened eyes to come into focus of his surroundings. Elrond thought he was Celebrian... Ai, Elbereth ... why was life so complicated? Elrond was now whispering love phrases in some sort of language he couldn't quite understand. They were meant with all his heart along with the kisses softly littering his neck, but not to him. For a while he considered allowing Elrond a few minutes happiness he deserved after all he had -- Glorfindel's eyes were wide as he pulled away. Elrond had licked his neck and his breath still smelled of wine he noticed. "Celebri-- Glorfindel?" Elrond asked in shock. "Yes, My Lord, but you don't understand." He would tell him most the night's events as though it was entirely his own fault. Elrond blamed himself enough, but to know he had begged him to stay ... It would have been to much for him to handle. "I need no explanation. Forgive me," Elrond sighed yet again close to tears. Elrond was in a hellish misery of which he could not escape and Glorfindel felt it was his duty to comfort him. When Celebrian had left on visits to Lorien Elrond was never bothered in the least bit. The lord had always assumed they'd be together for eternity and the years passed as easily as weeks. Glorfindel looked to him. "I merely thought -- Nothing happened. I only thought you might need the comfort and ... um ... warmth. It has been ... um ... so cold... It was my fault I assure you." Needless to say, Glorfindel was a horrible liar. Elrond tried suppressing a whimper and Glorfindel shook his head. "It's you're own fault. If you wanted wine you should have drank something light from Lorien not that poison from Mirkwood. I'll go get you some water and mix something together to ease the pain." "Yes, Glorfindel." Elrond managed a small, slight nod only to receive an even more painful throb. "...Thank you..." Elrond was content with that said. Glorfindel left Elrond's chamber thinking he had became a mother to Elrond, and at that time it was exactly what he needed. * * * Life is a long lesson in humility. -James M. Barrie Elrond yawned pulling the covers up to his chin. As much as he hated to admit it he liked having Glorfindel take care of him. He had admired the blonde lord for the longest -- Suddenly he remembered the events of last night. Well, bits and pieces of it at least. Glorfindel was ... different. Instead of sarcasm and little concern he gave Elrond motherly care. Exactly how long had he sobbed into Glorfindel's chest? He remember only that it was plenty of time for what seemed like a hundred brushes of Glorfindel's lips to Elrond's forehead and tearstained cheeks. Elrond cried without shame wanting ever so desperately to have that embrace once more. * * * "You can complain because rosebushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses." - Unknown Elrond glanced up and focused hard upon Glorfindel, which wasn't as easy as it might seem. He was still suffering the after affects of the wine, his eyes were filled with tears, and he was still somewhat drunk. After starring a few seconds he looked down dizzily. "Oh, 'Rondy," Glorfindel sighed gently setting down the platter. "What's wrong now?" he asked calmly placing a cool hand on his head letting his fingers stroke through the dark hair. "I missed you..." Elrond looked up with childhood innocents trying to change the subject and pouting slightly. Glorfindel smiled tenderly placing his hands upon Elrond's shoulders and letting them gently massage his back. Glorfindel assumed the affects of the wine were still gradually wearing off, for Elrond cuddled close to him, yawned, and fell asleep with his hand and arm laying atop the middle of Glorfindel's arm. Glorfindel kissed the slightly smaller, sleeping elf on the forehead and pulled the covers around him. Glorfindel amused himself by toying with Elrond's currently unkempt hair. First, he reached to the table near by to retrieve a comb. Then, as carefully as possible, so not to wake him, he ran the silver comb through the midnight black hair. Elrond muttered in his sleep, yawned once more, and turned onto his back facing Glorfindel. He was asleep and his eyes were closed, Glorfindel observed. He was beautiful, as always. To be Continued... ( More feedback, faster it comes. ::nod nod:: ) Title: Faithless (Ch. 2) Author: Celebrant Peredhil ( CelebornEstel@aol.com ) Pairing(s): Elrond/Glorfindel Rating: R Summary: See Faithless Ch. 1 Disclaimer: I still don't own a thing ^^; Feedback: OF COURSE! I'll beg ^^;;; Warning: None Authors Note: 1. Thanks to those who fussed at me to put it up! 2. Thanks for the feedback! ^_~ I'd like some on this one too! 3. Thanks to my Beta Readers, I didn't think I'd get so many response! A thanks to Claire and Gelisa. And one more special thanks to Gelisa for the sentence changes and rewording! 4. As for the last quote... I couldn't really think of a good one. ^^;; Faithless "You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments when you have truly lived are the moments when you have done things in the spirit of love." Henry Drummond Chapter 2 - Moments "I believe all suffering is caused by ignorance. People inflict pain on others in the selfish pursuit of their happiness or satisfaction. Yet true happiness comes from a sense of peace and contentment, which in turn must be achieved through the cultivation of altruism, of love and compassion, and elimination of ignorance, selfishness, and greed. " - Dalai Lama Elrond woke later that morning to meet Glorfindel's star-like green eyes. They had a simple beauty to them that he had often lost himself in inappropriately while discussing matters that should not have aroused him so. Glorfindel smiled warmly and Elrond shifted his eyes so not to meet the blonde lord's. "Glorfindel," Elrond began rather nervously moving uncomfortably in tension, "I love you..." In response a soft kiss was planted on his nose and Elrond wrinkled it in response. The gray eyes of Elrond looked to Glorfindel, and with seeing his smile even broader than before, nuzzled his face against his chin giving it a soft kiss. "Glorfindel," he whispered into the elf's chest, "I'm sorry I've been such a responsibility." Their eyes met as Glorfindel replied, "There's no need to be sorry." And as he spoke the words the world seemed to stop. The only sound each heard was their heart beating low and steadily. The only sight each saw was the other's eyes. Chances happen in every youth, in nearly everyone's time in childhood, to have the same feeling. Of love, to will everything to another, even though for some reason you forbid yourself from it. Great admiration rested, reining in clouded knowledge of the lord's eyes staring into Glorfindel's. Each of the Elves' hearts came through the look he gave, but neither voiced such feelings. At last, Elrond broke the silence. "I have to go into my study, to copy those papers from last night if you recall. I will see you tonight?" "Why wouldn't you?" Glorfindel asked as Elrond removed himself from the bed and dressed. Glorfindel watched in awe as the pale creature unbuttoned his nightly undergarments. When he allowed the fabric to fall from his shoulders it took every drop of Glorfindel's will power to stop him from pouncing upon Elrond, laying him on the bed, and claiming him. From head to toe and gleaming in the sun's light Elrond's skin was such a creamy pale… But he shook his head and resisted nonetheless. "You are beautiful..." commented Glorfindel moistening his lips as Elrond searched through his dresser for leggings. Elrond cheeks reddened as he hastily pulled up a pair of the fresh leggings he found buried deep within his drawer. "Do not be embarrassed..." Glorfindel said in his nearly above a whisper, milk and honey comfort of a voice as Elrond selected a white robe cut low in the neck from his closet. "It really does bring out your hair and eyes," Glorfindel said. "And neck," he added although not voicing his thoughts aloud. Elrond had a silly childhood grin on his face as he asked in mock protest, "So, now you shall pick out my clothes?" Glorfindel nodded, "Why wouldn't I? I shouldn't like you to go around looking as unkempt as an Orc." Elrond gave an amused chuckle at the commonly used phrase he had often told his own children. "Have fun," Glorfindel called placing a feathery kiss to his lord's forehead and walked out to attend to his own duties. * * * "Give a man a free hand and he'll try to put it all over you." -Mae West Elrond sat at his desk dipping a quill into a jar of ink. The quill almost mirrored him, an eagle's feather tipped with a black much like his midnight hair, and seemingly as delicate as himself as well. Though after the night's events none would have guessed it from the lord's behavior, he was far from delicate. Every character was perfectly shaped in his perfect calligraphy as he translated each word of the book before him into notes. It was night now, the stars shinning as bright as the circlet in his hair and the moon bouncing waves of light in his hair. He was so entirely engrossed in his work he failed to notice Glorfindel's light footsteps as he entered the room, and it was not until he sat down beside him, taking the scroll he was so entirely focused on, that he even noticed. "Do give it back," Elrond said mildly annoyed. Glorfindel gave a small smirk and cupped his chin in one hand. Elrond looked near crying in frustration once again, and so Glorfindel brought up his chin whispering, "You work too hard," before crushing his lips against the half-elf's tenderly allowing Elrond to forget every problem that plagued his mind and even the work before him. Their breath was warm in each other's mouth and both tasted sweet. It was a heaven of their own making and how long it lasted neither could say. Glorfindel stood removing Elrond's clothing with care and softly pushing him onto a nearby sofa near the wall under a window. The velvet sofa was under the window, lit only by the moon and stars. Elrond lay on it; nude except for the circlet left on his head, pale skin now the color of the moon blending into the light. Glorfindel's light fingers ran through Elrond's hair as he half kissed, half sucked his neck. "Father, it's almost time for din -- The gods! Glorfindel?!" Elrohir gasped in shock. It was quite a sight. Elrond lay naked beneath a fully clothed elf, who currently straddled him with both hands in his hair and lips devouring his mouth. Glorfindel removed himself calmly leaving his very obviously aroused father flushing. "Dinner wasn't it? I'll see he dresses. Thank you, Elrohir." "Do ... hurry ... the guest are ... ready to sit." After a nod from Glorfindel, Elrohir left the study and hurried to his room. "Elladan! Elladan!" he called. "I do believe father and Glorfindel were mating! Father was unclothed beneath him... He was obviously enjoying it... And, and Glorfindel was ... Atop him! Kissing him!" "Oh, really?" Elladan asked eyebrows elevated. He smiled in spite of his brother's hysteria. For a moment he believed his brother would faint. "You didn't really believe Glorfindel was "taking care of him" all these past few days did you?" "Well..." Elrohir thought back. "Elrond was sleeping in his lap that once ... and the other time Glorfindel was stroking his hair..." "See?" Elladan smirked. "Father isn't depressed over mother's departure as much as before. He is accepting it. He probably still misses her, as we do, but Glorfindel will make him forget it the best he can." Elrohir glared, "How do you manage to always be right?" "It's a gift," Elladan replied tossing his hair over his shoulders. "Well, Elladan, since you are so entirely gifted you can invite the guest in." "And you can see them to their seats, Elrohir." * * * "A sudden, bold, and unexpected question doth many times surprise a man and lay him open. " - John Lennon Elrond glanced up to Glorfindel who glanced back across the table, lifting an eyebrow at the unaccustomedly fidgeting lord; the twins traded knowing smirks and glances. The conversation, or rather debate, was currently over Thranduil's rude behavior in Lorien at the last council. Some blamed it on Legolas, rumored to be warming his bed, and others blamed it on the countless cases of wine in his castle. The rest just said he was naturally arrogant. Either way the rumors of him made for a good conversation piece although it was not proper behavior, but one day couldn't hurt... Elrond excused himself from the table momentarily. "Odd," thought Glorfindel. It was out of character for him to ever leave, although from the look of it he had been still aroused from the previous events of the night and needed release. Glorfindel smirked congratulating himself. "Glorfindel! Tell me...are you and father..." Elladan asked looking down. Then... Glorfindel felt his robes pushed aside as his leggings were pulled down. Glorfindel remained calm kicking Elrond softly in the stomach. In response his legs were spread. Glorfindel, now annoyed, kicked Elrond in the crotch enough to get a mild yelp, which fortunately went unnoticed by the table passionately arguing on the worth of dwarves. Half agreed they were good for jewelry and such and the others wished that they never existed. Elladan, who sat aside Glorfindel, looked down and then up with a question labeling his brow. Glorfindel nodded, looking to his plate in embarrassment. Elrohir covered his mouth looking away to mute a snicker and cover a grin. Glorfindel allowed a hand to stray down and grab his hair. "If you are going to, hurry up!" he hissed shoving Elrond's head far from gently before his waiting shaft. "Perhaps I don't wish to now," Elrond hissed back. Glorfindel was set on getting what he wanted now and released his hair, moving a leg between Elrond's legs. Elrond gave a mixture of a purr and a moan, a soft, sweet noise that made Glorfindel stroke his cheek and run a hand through his hair in affection. Glorfindel hid his emotions well as he looked at his plate listlessly, all the while under the table both legs spread Elrond's and his knees pleasured him to purr. The argument great steadily larger along with both's growing need. Glorfindel bit down on his lower lip as Elrond took him into his mouth. Glorfindel gasped, which received smug glances from the twins, he hadn't expected Elrond to suck him so hard -- But by the gods it felt good! He bit down harder on his lip to keep himself from moaning and in only a few moments' time he came. Not long after, the lord returned looking as respectable as always. "Glorfindel!" he snapped across the table. "Yes, dearest?" "I gave you release." "You don't seriously expect me to crawl under the table and--" "Please..." Elrond asked with his ever tempting pout. "Must I?" "Yes!" "Really, Elrond, I will not." "But Glorfindel..." "After dinner, we're about to go." An idea came to mind as he glanced at the lord shivering in silent desire. He reached down to his boots, removing one, and placed his foot in the folds of Elrond's robes. "Glorfindel ... oh!" Elrond purred. "We'll continue this later ... under the waterfalls tonight," Glorfindel promised and hurried to quickly replace his boots. He smirked once more to himself. The lord would be well aroused by then. "But Glorfindel..." "Yes?" "Get under the table. Now! You swore your allegiance to me. To do whatever I asked -- Anything! You have your honor!" Glorfindel groaned. Honor... He had the nerve. And he had none whatsoever when he acted so childishly, Glorfindel thought. The lord would have what he wanted and there was no denying him that... He always did. But... Glorfindel assured himself, in the end, it was he that would be atop him forcing him to beg for release tonight. No, no, it wasn't an assurance. It was a promise, a promise he well intended to keep. But nothing would hurt giving him a taste of that now... "I suppose I'll have to find some silk rope for later..." he thought with a smirk. To be continued... Subj: Faithless Ch. 3 Date: 4/1/03 8:04:56 PM Eastern Standard Time From: CelebornEstel To: CelebornEstel, CelebornEstel@yahoo.com Title: Faithless (Chapter 3) Author(s): Celebrant Peredhil Email: CelebornEstel@aol.com Pairing: Glorfindel/Elrond, Elrohir/Elladan (Briefly) Rating: NC-17 Summary: See previous Series/sequel: Faithless Feedback: I'll beg ... see... ::begs:: ::sniffle, Elrohir eyes:: Genre: Romance/Fluff Warnings: Incest in background Author's Notes: 1. Oops, on that last one I forgot to include the library, well, study, scene was based on a fanart picture of Elrond and Glorfindel named "You work too hard." It's by far my favorite, so I had to use it. It's at Libraryofmoria.com 2. Lirimaer= lovely one, Meleth nîn= My love 3. I'm thinking of doing a sequel of Battle's Poison. And I'd like to say... thank you so much Blume... ::sniffle:: She told me, "No! do not stop this! It's great (if maybe a little perv) but still great! ....mmmhhh, I dont' like incest much, but I just loved the prologe/epiloge and the way Legolas hugged his father in the battle! ^.^ So why let this love die?! They are so cute when they're together (mind you, this could even be some sort of narcissim fic, since all the time Thranduil thinks how much Legolas is like him and viceversa __)" ^_^ And I love that comment. ::sniffle sniffle:: So, yes, I probably will do a sequel. 4. I might not start to seriously get into this until... after my historical event report/ scholarship contest essay/ shirt business website and beginning orders. 5. Send me feedback, I'll love ya forever. ^_^ Thanks! As for feedback, tell me if you loved it! Tell me if you hated it. Tell me if it amused you. I like bad feedback almost as much as good feedback ^_^ All flames welcomed. If there's something that annoyed you/ you didn't like, I WANNA KNOW! If you found something humourous or so good... I WANNA KNOW! ^_^ 6. I found a nickel and I'ma name it Philip... IT'S A GIRL PENNY! I just watched 'The Fairly OddParents,' a strange, yet humorous somehow, show. 6. Elrond is still half-elven, THUS he has a 50% chance he can get sick and a 50% chance that he sleeps with his eyes closed. 7. Endless thanks to my Betas (Lyric, Gelise, etc. etc. etc.). Quoith my beta Gelise (Love this): "I changed a few phrases in this sentence, the most noticeable one being Glorfindel’s stutter, <"So…so…”> I figured he had an excuse for stuttering, since he is busily cutting away Elrond’s pants and all. >:D" Glorfindel removed a small valve from his pocket. (One comment here…why isn’t Glorfindel nekkid yet?! We need to get this Elven Lord stripped, and stripped quick!) Elrond took the opportunity to unclothe Glorfindel. (*screams* FINALLY! >:D) 8. And last, but not least, when it says Elrond lived a shealted life, I love that and cannot possibly take credit for it. It was Gelisa's idea... and I've not laughed so hard in quite a while. Faithless "You know what I like best about looking at the stars? Not the stars themselves, but all those empty spaces between the stars. That's where I can imagine traveling for ever and ever. That's where I can imagine infinity." --T.A. Barron Chapter 3- Infinity. "The heart has it's reasons which reason knows nothing of." -Pascal Elrond sat near the tranquil waterfalls undisturbed. He had been waiting patiently for Glorfindel ever since he had come back, flat out refusing to go under the table. Elrond gave in to the look Glorfindel gave and suffered through dinner. But now ... he was aroused greatly and needed release... Oh, if only Glorfindel would hurry up! How much he must enjoy torturing someone... The falls, they were lovely. He had to admit that, and the one thing he loved above all about Rivendell. The half-Elven lord yawned softly. It had become somewhat chilly and he saw no point in engaging in such activities here, it was cold. And, and... Oh, that was excuse enough. Elrond gasped as someone grabbed him pushing him roughly to the ground. "Release m-" his mouth was promptly gagged. He looked up to meet the mocking eyes and amused gaze that waited. To his horror ... the eyes were those of Glorfindel. "Why, dearest Elrond ... sort of late for a stroll, is it not? You could have been killed. Not at all careful..." The elf tied his wrist and ankles and then bound them together, making Elrond at last give up his pointless struggle. "Naughty... Naughty..." Elrond's collar was grabbed and his face was brought up to meet Glorfindel’s taunting smirk. "You deserve punishment..." The elf kissed him lightly on the lips. "This shall be fun, will it not?" he asked removing the gag. "Glorfindel... I beg you release me." "It's quite evident you want it, though. It was on your mind even before I took you to the ground. Your need betrays you." "I..." There was no way for Elrond to argue with that... "I won't hurt you..." * * * The best proof of love is trust. Dr. Joyce Brothers The elf cut his wrist and ankles from each other. "But you shall enjoy it. I know you shall, my lovely." His kiss was surprisingly gentle and his hands soothed the doubts Elrond had. "I told you I would not hurt you... Did you not believe me?" Glorfindel continued on. "It seems even your muscles betray you. You're tense," concern obvious from the tone he used. "Well, it's not everyday that one pounces, ties, and struggles me to the ground." Elrond snapped bitterly, looking up at the larger lord straddling him with a teasing smirk. Glorfindel removed himself. "My dearest, I could always leave you like this after removing your clothes..." "I..." Glorfindel had him, yet again. "What are you--" "Quiet or I shall gag you once more!" Glorfindel gave a glare that quickly hushed him. "Now," he smirked, "Where was I?" Elrond protested, "But-" "Shall I gag you?" Glorfindel's eyebrows elevated. "No, Glorfindel..." Glorfindel raised Elrond's arms, still bound, above him and tied them onto the nearest tree branch lowest to the ground. "Elrond," he began for conversation, all the while cutting the bounds about his legs and pulling down his leggings. "There's really no need in being so ...so… terribly agitated by this whole ordeal. You'll come to enjoy it, I'm sure. Don't you trust me?" Elrond simply sighed, a sign of giving in. Glorfindel knew it was, for he used it in council meets countless times. Glorfindel then removed a flask from his shoulder. "Taste." "What is it? An aphrodisiac?" "Elrond!" Glorfindel scowled. "Really, I don't believe you trust me..." Elrond opened his mouth forcing himself to taste whatever was in his flask after noting the hurt from his mistrust in Glorfindel's eyes. "It's some sort of ... syrup," Elrond licked his lips. "It taste ... good." Glorfindel nodded putting the flask aside the tree. Glorfindel looked to the bounds that held Elrond's hands and sighed in annoyance. He had to cut them as well as finishing the removal of the rest of Elrond's clothing. Once that task was finished, he lay beside Elrond, hands entwined under the base of the tree. It received no objection from the lord, still occupied with the taste of the syrup. "Elrond..." Glorfindel muttered softly into his ear. "Look at the sky, isn't it beautiful? Everyone always looks at the stars and moon and thinks how beautiful they are-- Oh the stars... they look like little dots of hope in a sea of dark despair...-- But tonight I see infinity between them, in the spaces. I can see an endless path of the inevitable... Have you ever wondered what's beyond the universe? Ever thought that maybe beyond the stars you could just travel for ever and ever? Maybe we're just like a creature in a jar never knowing there's more out there. Or there's someone watching over us ... like in a mirror. Perhaps everything's just matter and molecules, have you ever thought of that? But lately I've came to the conclusion, while trying to figure out why we're here, and that it's because of love. Because ... that's what makes one enjoy life -- The love of something. I think that, in truth, we're here to enjoy life-- I suppose it's rather silly..." Glorfindel sighed. Elrond had never took Glorfindel for the silent dreamer. He was just so distant from everyone most the time hardly anyone would have thought him... to his any imagination whatsoever. Yet, he had just spilled his thoughts, and heart in fact, out to him. Elrond turned to him. "No, Glorfindel, I don't think it's silly. I've just never taken the time to wonder. It must be hard to wonder so often and never receive the answer." "Well, not really... You see, the most wonderful things in life are those left unknown... because..." he stopped to think for a moment. "Because it leaves you to wonder. Life would be dull if you knew everything, my lovely." "Glorfindel." "Yes, Elrond?" "Do you think someone can tell another they love them too much?" "I don't know. Perhaps not if they really mean it, Lirimaer." "Then," Elrond paused, "I love you." "I know, as do I. Your name is beautiful. It doesn't focus on one star or even just the stars or moon. It tells of the beauty of everything in the sky, even the space between. And your eyes are ... are like a wondrous winter's snow and filled with knowledge of so many years." "I've always thought your eyes were the loveliest. They have such youth and vigor. They've always reminded me of the blooms in spring." "Elrond." "Yes, Glorfindel?" "Turn over." Glorfindel removed a small valve from his pocket. Elrond turned over. "Why did you want me to--" Glorfindel clamped a hand over his mouth to cover the outburst of a scream. "I'm only preparing you." "Preparing me for what? I beg you remove your hands from that area!" The Elven Lord had been rather sheltered from such acts and oblivious to how one would go about making love with a male, especially Glorfindel, one could never tell with him… "To claim you." "Why didn't you tell me?!" "I thought it was better you not know. Don't you trust me?" "Yes...?" Elrond asked, unsure, trying once again to pointlessly get away. "Stay still or it will hurt more!" Glorfindel held him down with one leg and shoved his head less than gently to the ground, hand covering his mouth. After three fingers had well prepared his opening, and continued on for no reason whatsoever, he released his mouth. "Well?" "It's cold." "My fingers aren't," Glorfindel gave a smug look, stretching his opening in emphasis. "Stop trying to get away!" "It hurts!" "You'll get used to it." "What's that supposed to mean? Glorfindel!" Elrond was trembling. "Please, I beg you stop! It's horribly cold and it hurts!" It took Glorfindel a few moments before realizing that the lord was actually serious. His eyes were closed tight in terror of what he would do and his body was shivering from the cold of the night. Glorfindel kissed his neck, "Forgive me." After putting Elrond's robes back on and wrapping him tightly in both their cloaks, he quickly threw his robes on over his head. Then, he lay aside him and kissed his mouth lightly. Elrond snuggled up to his chest. "Feeling any better?" Glorfindel asked. There was a content nod against his chest. "Still cold?" Elrond shook his head no. "Glorfindel..." said Elrond finally. "Yes?" "Your ... um ... it is poking me." "Yes, I know. So is yours," Glorfindel managed, trying desperately to hide the need in his voice. "Do you think..." "Gladly." "Glorfindel, I really do trust you." "You need release that badly?" Glorfindel asked, rubbing a leg between his legs. Elrond flinched in surprise. "Yes ... but I'll do whatever is wanted. As I've said, I trust you." Glorfindel turned him to his back, so he faced him. He pushed up Elrond's robes and took the lord into his mouth without hesitation. Needless to say, he had a very skilled tongue and Elrond came within seconds. "Now," Glorfindel looked into the lord's eyes. "Whatever is wanted?" He asked, repeating Elrond’s plea, raising an eyebrow. "Yes." At that the blonde Elven lord straddled him. "This seems as though it shall make for a fun night after all," Glorfindel grinned slyly. The blonde lord unbuttoned the top of Elrond’s robe as he kissed down the milky neck to his chest, and from there he unbuttoned the rest of his robe. "What are you going to do?" Elrond asked. Glorfindel made eye contact as he licked one of his prettily pink nipples. "Oh...Oh!" he exclaimed as Glorfindel began to softly suck. He gave a final kiss to the shimmering red nipple before going to the next. Elrond's hands tangled in Glorfindel's hair as he bucked against the lord. "Elrond... Do you mind terribly if I tie your wrist and ankles? Your fingers are roughly pulling my hair, and your bucking is so arousing that I would come simply from that..." he asked when finished with the second. Elrond shook his head no and Glorfindel hurried to search through his cloak's pocket for the silken cord. He tied his hands together and spread legs tying them apart. Glorfindel muttered cursing lightly under his breath. "What's wrong?" Elrond asked. Glorfindel sighed, "You'll have to turn over later on, and I'll have to cut the bindings again... Oh, well." Glorfindel cut the bindings irritatedly and took two more lengths of cord from the other pocket of the cloak. Elrond took the opportunity to unclothe Glorfindel. "You seemed to like this earlier," Glorfindel commented, taking the flask from behind the tree. He poured the oozing liquid over his fingers and offered them to Elrond who greedily took them in his mouth. Glorfindel smirked, "This may work out well. I never knew you were so fond of syrup or I would have fixed you those honey-cakes you seem to like so much with it instead." Glorfindel allowed Elrond to lick his fingers clean and then poured the syrup into his hand letting it drip down to his very erect shaft. Elrond watched it's excruciating slowness, his eyes following the golden liquid as it fell from his fingers and down and down until it hit Glorfindel's chest and then poured over his elfhood and down further... "Well?" Glorfindel asked. Elrond almost immediately pounced on the lord, licking down his chest and down further still... Glorfindel lay back enjoying the cool tongue over his heated flesh. Meanwhile, Glorfindel tasted the syrup. It actually did taste really good ... sort of like honey and maple with a cidery smell... He lay listening to the quiet of the night and gave a startled gasp when Elrond licked his shaft from top to bottom, making him come. Elrond's face immediately gave a look of distaste as he swallowed and let the rest fall the ground. Sweet and salt sometimes didn’t make the best combination... Glorfindel pulled him up, lifting his chin, and kissed him, letting Elrond lick his syrup coated lips and mouth. Elrond gave a shudder at the sensation of tender caresses to his back relaxing into the touch. "Glorfindel..." he purred burying his face into the lord's golden mane, kissing at his neck. Glorfindel ran fingers, and then hands, down the vulnerable back, stroking hard, the way he seemed to like it best. His muscles rippled in pleasure. Lacing fingers with the lord, Glorfindel effortlessly bestrode the lord. Elrond stared, as if enchanted, into the emerald eyes in fascination. Glorfindel gave an amused smile, opening the flask to let the liquid pour in Elrond's eagerly awaiting mouth and down his chin to run down his neck. Glorfindel, starting at his throat, licked the sensitive skin to his mouth, kissing him once more. "I see you're enjoying this..." Glorfindel commented to the lord, who was once again fully aroused. He leisurely ran a teasing finger over every inch of his body, tracing delicate circles on his stomach and making him tremble, and then dropped down his legs and received what was between a quiver and a squirm of delight. Finally, desire took Glorfindel and he took advantage of his current position to lay atop the lord. Seizing his mouth, he kissed him as though his very life depended on it. He kissed Elrond as though his mouth was a luscious, ripened fruit and he had been starving. Bleeding through the kiss were hints of long desire and lust along with nights of unfulfilled need. Glorfindel grinned conceitedly at him. "Tonight, my delicate one, I made a promise to myself... And as you know, I've not been one to break a promise... And you have also, you've agreed to whatever I wish. Now, if you wouldn't mind..." Glorfindel got up and took the cord from the ground. "Turn over, Lirimaer." Elrond turned promptly, allowing Glorfindel whatever he wished. Glorfindel kissed his hands and then tied them. "I suppose I'll allow you the fun of bucking, but if you squirm as I prepare you, I'll tie you down even more. Do we have an agreement?" Elrond nodded. Glorfindel fetched the bottle of lubricant he had had earlier and poured a more than generous amount over his hand. "Are you nervous?" Glorfindel asked, running his hand between the well aroused half-elf's legs. "Not really," Elrond lied. "We'll see." Glorfindel began preparing him and Elrond bit back a cry. Glorfindel, leaning nonchalantly on an elbow beside him, gave an amused, smug look. "I don't think you believe you can enjoy this." Elrond glared. "You see..." he brushed against 'that certain spot,' "it's not all pain." Elrond could scarcely believe it was he who made those moans of pleasure, practically begging for more, which Glorfindel only twice more gave. And less did he believe the whimper he gave when Glorfindel stopped. "Oh, don't worry..." he heard Glorfindel whisper into his ear. "This is only the beginning." Elrond felt Glorfindel's golden hair fall onto his shoulders when he kissed his neck, mounting him in the process. "Now, I ask you again, are you nervous?" Elrond refused to respond, his voice would betray him. "Speak, Elrond. The more you wait the more your imagination can make it worst. Tell me the truth." Glorfindel's hands slide down his arms and around the cord that held them bound to the tree. Elrond in the smallest voice whispered, "Yes." "I've told you countless times that I would not hurt you. But ... since you don't believe me I'll prove it." Glorfindel's hands caressed Elrond's arms as he entered him as gently as possible. Elrond gave a moan feeling the same sensation as earlier. "E-Elron-d," he asked curiously, finding it more and more difficult to speak as his loving making progressed. "T-tell me w-hat- you're- th-inking." "It is v- very ha-rd to th-ink when som-eone is shoo-- so-meone is shoov-ing their VE-RY LA-RGE el-fhood in- one's hin-dquarte-rs-- Oh!" Glorfindel had began a sort of milking motion between Elrond's legs; Elrond was bucking against him, pulling hard against his binding. Both came almost in unison, Elrond from the doubled sensation and Glorfindel from his coming. Glorfindel, no longer able to hold himself up, collapsed on the ground beside Elrond, pulling him close. Glorfindel lay his face into the lord's neck, smelling the sweet scent of his hair and enjoying the serenity around them. "Elrond," he muttered into the half-elf's ear, "tell me you liked it and would do it again." "You already know I would," Elrond mumbled sleepily before yawning. "Yes, but I want to hear it -- You sounded tired." Glorfindel leaned over to take his cloak from aside the tree and lay it over Elrond's bare back. Glorfindel grinned wickedly giving a small, though firm, slap to the lord's buttocks. Elrond yelped. "For what reason did I deserve that?" "I merely wished to wake you up..." The lord shot him his ever-famous unamused look. "Glorfindel..." Elrond mumbled in exhuastion. "Yes?" "My rear hurts, and you still haven't untied me." "I'm glad you enjoyed it." Glorfindel cut his bounds with the knife discarded by the tree. Silence. "Elrond?" Glorfindel looked down to find the lord was fast asleep, breathing heavily, eyes closed. "Good night, Meleth nîn..." * * * "There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." - Einstein Elrond woke to dripping. First a tiny drop of rain, then another and another until it was pouring. Glorfindel lifted his head petulantly, giving a look so cross Elrond thought he would start war against the very water-droplets themselves. "Fath--" Elrohir looked at the two naked and drenched as much as himself. Elrohir blinked fighting back his shock. "I tied to reach you before the rain began, but it seems I'm late. I hope I didn't ... interrupt anything." "No, no. That's been over for quite a while," Glorfindel informed him. After Elrohir finished thinking to himself that it was more information than he needed, or wanted to know, he at last replied, "Well, I'm going to leave. I just wish I would have arrived sooner." Elrohir walked hurriedly ahead, wanting to spend the remainder of the night in dry clothes and his brother's arms listening to the soft tapping of rain on the roof and window. The raven-haired lord dressed and buttoned up his robes, as well as watched the other elf as he retrieved the items he had left spread out under the tree. Elrond gave a slight shiver and then a small sneeze. Glorfindel looked to him. "Are you not well, Lirimaer?" "I'll be fine..." Elrond replied miserably when Glorfindel threw his somewhat wet cloak about the half-elf's shoulders. It had been under the tree, thus escaping the worst of the rain but still getting slightly drenched. Glorfindel took him into his arms. "I hope you won't be affected by the weather..." Glorfindel muttered, looking down to the lord shivering in his arms and trying to press himself as close to the elf's body as much as possible. Elrond's chambers were not very far back, just down the river a short distance to a path, walking strait a bit, and then through the garden. He gave a sigh, kissing his beloved's forehead, and began his way to the path. * * * Forgiveness is the final form of love. -Reinhold Niebuhr Glorfindel sighed. Elrond lay listlessly staring out the window all morning refusing to speak, eat, or even look at anyone in his illness. The only motions he made were to cough, sneeze, or squirm to make himself more comfortable. After long hours of making cooing sounds and speaking soft love phrases to the lord, which didn't help, Glorfindel took a break. The only thing he actually did succeed in doing that following day was kicking two chairs across the room and he braking a rather tacky lawn ornament. "Glorfindel!" Elrohir surveyed the damage of the house, and some outside it. "You must stop, you're not helping anything! I...I've never seen you this way..." Elladan rested his hands comfortingly on Elrohir's shoulders in silent support, holding him in the most brotherly way he could manage. Glorfindel retired to a chair, burying his face in one hand. "Oh, Glorfindel..." Elrohir sighed, kneeling on the floor by him, taking his free hand, and clasping it in both his. "He'll be fine." Glorfindel let his eyes rest on Elrohir's and then Elladan's. "Forgive me..." Glorfindel apologized. "Why would we not?" Elladan asked giving a comforting mixture of a massage and caress to Elrohir's back. As he started to lay his head on Elrohir's shoulder to plant a kiss on the oh-so-pale neck, he stopped himself as quickly as possible. "Do not try to hide your relationship... It is quite obvious," Glorfindel said leaning back and resting his head on his chin. "W-whatever do you mean?" Elladan asked abruptly removing his hands from Elrohir's back letting them rest once again on Elladan's shoulders. "I suppose we cannot ... does father know?" Elrohir asked, seemingly in terror. "Probably. Fear not," Glorfindel smiled, softly brushing the strains of hair from Elrohir's face. "You'll have no separation nor any unkind word spoken against you." "Please, say nothing..." Elladan said as he held his brother closer. "If he does not know it's only fair that he finds out. That won't be until later, after he's recovered. Believe me, nothing shall change for the worst." "If you're sure..." Elrohir glanced up for certainty, squeezing Glorfindel's hand between both his unknowingly. "I am," Glorfindel said, looking to Elladan to remove his brother from his now pained hand. Elrohir yawned. "You might want to get him in bed, he's tired." Elladan nodded taking his brother's hands so he rose with him. "Glorfindel, go and try again. I would go with you, but I need sleep as much as he does..." Elladan picked up Elrohir, half asleep, and giving an assuring look to Glorfindel before he left. * * * "To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world." -Unknown "Lirimaer..." Glorfindel lay beside the lord, turning him to lay on his back. "Here, eat." He pressed a slice of sweet, warm, and fluffy round bread with a light coating of a peachy cream to his lips. To his complete surprise, Elrond lifted himself and snuggled closer to him, taking a bit and chewing. Glorfindel held him, allowing him to sit in his lap with his arms around him as though feeding a child. When he had finished that piece Glorfindel kissed his forehead and turned to take another slice from the platter. As Glorfindel fed him his mind drifted back. * * * Children are hopes. Feel the dignity of a child. Do not feel superior to him, for you are not. -Robert Henri "Glorfindel..." a young raven-haired lad pulled at his sleeve. "Yes, dear Elrond?" Elrond bit his lower lip and then spoke, "You don't really like me very much, do you?" "Why would you say that, Lirimaer?" Lirimaer had been his old pet name for the lord, and it seemed to bring a smile to his face whenever he used it. Glorfindel frowned. He had often pushed the half-elf harder than anyone else, but it was merely out of affection. "Well..." his blue eyes looked up in admiration. "You never act like it anymore." "Then," he lifted him staring into his eyes with a smile, "I'll just have to work harder as well." "You look better when you smile, too." Glorfindel laughed. "And even betterer when you laugh." "No, no, no. That's not correct. And even..." "More better?" he guessed again. Glorfindel gave an amused chuckle. "I'm sorry..." Elrond looked at him despondently, though eager to please. "Much better?" "Don't be sorry, you'll get it. No, try again. Try the sentence with it." "And even betterest when you laugh?" Glorfindel shook his head patiently. "And even better when you laugh?" Glorfindel smiled and kissed his forehead. "Perfect!" "Are you mad?" Elrond asked laying his head against Glorfindel's shoulder. "No, why would I be mad?" "Because I took such a long time to get it right ... and it was such an easy question." "Not at all, you got it in the end. That's what counts." "Are you sure?" "Positive," Glorfindel sat down on his bed letting Elrond snuggle his face into Glorfindel's hair. Glorfindel looked to him, running fingers through his black silk-like hair, and smiled. He loved moments like these when Elrond would relax into his touch. "Lirimaer, do you mind if I share something with you?" Elrond looked into Glorfindel's eyes, "Really? Like a secret?" "You could say that... I just ... well ... it pains me that you'll grow older and no longer prefer my company as you do now..." He thought a moment trying to make it as simple as possible. "I just fear that you'll grow older and no longer ... love me as much as you now. I just don't think you'll... want me as a friend then." "Oh, no, Glorfindel. I could never stop loving you. You'll always be my friend ... forever and ever and ever. I promi-" "No, no, Little One. Don't be so quick to make promises. You can't always keep them so it's usually better not to make promises. You only make them when you know they will be, or are, true." "But Glorfindel..." Elrond looked on the verge of tears. "I'll always be your friend... I'll always love you. I promise I always will, because I know I will." "Yes, I know you'll try..." "No! I always will! Even if I'm not there or ... or ... if I don't show it. Or even you don't think I am." "I believe you. I'm sorry I had my doubts." At this, Elrond lay his head back into the elf's golden mane. "I love you..." As the years quickly passed by and Elrond grew, Glorfindel and he had became farther and farther apart. Elrond always gave the kind word or distance smile, making Glorfindel smiled in spite of himself. And then... Elrond had became so entirely wrapped up in his own life he stopped even that. They talked as old friends often ... but it wasn't the same as before. He admitted to himself that he truly missed the times late at night when he would tell Elrond a tale of some sorts... He missed when he could sing to him and he would fall asleep against him content as always.... But Elrond was married now and focused all his attention to Celebrian and the problems of the others. When Elrohir and Elladan had been born, Glorfindel was overjoyed. He gave the same attention he had given Elrond to them both. Elrohir had the cutest crush on him for the longest time. He eagerly fought for his attention, trying his best to please him as much as his father had done. Glorfindel gave him a respectable amount of attention, which Elrohir accepted with glee. Elladan had good fun in teasing his younger brother over the matter. Finally, after a few years, Elladan found an interest in his brother. The way he moved was elegant, and he had found himself staring in amazement, watching as the garments he wore flapped over his well built features. He cared little that he looked much the same, for he didn't move or act identically. Then one day it simply happened. Elladan, without thinking, grabbed his brother, pushed him to a wall, and claimed his mouth with built passion. Elrohir, to his joy and astonishment, responded eagerly, positively knocking him to the, luckily, soft ground. Before either knew it they were in Elladan's bed removing clothes. Glorfindel had noticed the entire ordeal and left when they began their "proof of passion", as he liked to call it. The next day, he was pleased to find Elladan was no longer rude or trying to hide bitter envy. Instead, he was as well-mannered, quiet, and as affectionate toward his mentor as Elrohir. Glorfindel eventually lost them to their own lives as well, though they were never as close as Elrond had been. Arwen he had never much got to know, or like. She was usually found in Lorien along with her mother. Then ... it had all passed so quickly... Celebrian was wounded. Elrond healed her. She left. In his mind that was all that had taken place. And, as he hated to admit, he had never had such great fortune. Faith was cruel, but ... at the same time ... something good came out of everything. Now his lord was back to him as he had been in childhood. What more could he wish for? * * * "Who, being loved, is poor?" -Oscar Wilde "Glorfindel," the lord muttered. "Yes, Lirimaer?" "I love you." "You always have." "What is that supposed to mean?" "Nothing, really. It's just something from long ago. You made a promise to me, a promise you've always kept. Just a promise to always be my friend, to always love me. It's actually quite absurd to remember, I know. But ... you said it and really meant them. I remember the words so well..." "Nothing you say is absurd." Elrond looked into his eyes with the same admiration. "I'm glad you think so." Glorfindel pulled him down to the bed. "Now get some rest so you'll feel better." "I love you," he mumbled again, yawning, and finally falling asleep beside the one he had, and would always, love. To be Continued... (The more feedback the faster it comes!) Title: Faithless (Ch. 4/End) Author(s): Celebrant Peredhil Email: CelebornEstel@aol.com Pairing: Glorfindel/ Elrond Rating: PG13 Summary: See 1st Series/sequel: Faithless Genre: Romance, Fluff Feedback: Once again I will beg. ::HUGE unfallen tears eyes:: ::sniffle:: Good? Bad? Warnings: None Author's Notes: 1. After the line, " 'Garfinkel,' deciding to play along, muttered, "Well, I may have to think about that...", " I suggest playing Samwise the Brave 18 on The Two Towers Soundtrack (I love Howard Shore's music... so very bittersweet. **) I dunno that slow melody I just love... and I wrote it listening to that so ::shrug:: 2. Your choice to decide what happens to 'um. Elladan and Elrohir are not mentioned. 3. I probably will not do a sequel to Battle's Poison. I, personally, am an "anti-sequel" person... 4. The 3 paragraph thank you at the bottom was nearly a page... or two... and somehow it ended up becoming that. ::shrug:: Go figure. Faithless "Saying nothing... sometimes says the most." -Emily Dickinson Chapter 4- Roads Untaken. Grief closed her throat, the grief of roads untaken, of doors not opened, or songs unsung -- the human grief of choice. - Barbara Hambly, "Dragonsbane" The lord Elrond woke to a cold bedroom and empty bed. A small moan of anguish escaped his lips at the thought of Glorfindel's love having been merely an illusion and he would have to awaken to nothing. Oh, how he would have spoiled him! He would lavish him in all sorts of jewelry he loved so dearly. The blonde's hands would each have three rings, middle finger to pinky. The right would have gold and the left silver. And from there, there would be bracelets and arm jewelry running to his shoulders in the forms of dragons, griffins, and birds... About his neck would hang three, maybe more, necklaces. The first would be a silver chain with a leaf connected to it and two smaller golden leaves on each side. The next would be silver as well with a red-black dragon attached to it guarding a moonstone. And the last that hung the farthest down would be gold with a diamond in the golden tear droplet form. On the lord's ankles beaded precious stone would dazzle-- Amethyst, Cat's Eyes, Aquamarine, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Obsidian, Garnet, Scapolite, Pearl, Jade... A pendant would be made from such jewels as well, and a golden leaf decorated to pin his cloak of the finest silks. Better yet, he would have a new cloak made! A cloak of velvet perhaps... No, forest green silk, it was his favorite. His Glorfindel would look beautiful fitted in the finest silks... And to top it off, a circlet. The circlet would be one to match his silver one. So simple and yet... so beautiful. His flowing, golden hair would be brushed with only the finest of materials. Ah, but a gold or silver comb? He would be bathed in the most fragrant water scented with flower petals and oils. Candles would surround him giving off the most pleasant of odors. Ai, he would be a god! Elrond thought of himself bathing the lord as a servant, sitting aside the tub, rubbing oils to his body and then soap. Afterwards, he would pour shampoo into that beautiful hair and run fingers through it with perfect ease... He would stream water over him and go to fetch a towel. Glorfindel should then be sitting watching with unreadable expression. The towel would run ever so gently down his back and shoulders collecting whatever moisture it encountered. Then, it would travel over those long legs until moving upward and-- A soft "Elrond, wake up. I have some tea for you," rose Elrond from the mental scene that had formed. He turned to stare at his chief advisor, and seeing that he was still there, and still his, smiled softly as he reached out to take the warm mug from Glorfindel. The herbal drink had a lovely scent and taste, much like Glorfindel's own natural perfume. The liquid warmed his throat and continued until reaching his stomach where it rested bringing warmth to his chilled body. He noted the taste of both spearmint leaves and chamomile. (Little did he know, it also possessed a touch of Mirkwoodian wine.) "Sit by me... please?" Elrond begged. His eyes looked up shining with affection. "I..." he continued, voice shaking with embarrassment, "want to know you're here. I want to feel you, know you are not an illusion..." "You need only ask..." Glorfindel sat, wrapping arms about him, taking the mug from his hands, and transferring it to the table aside them. "Feeling better?" "Mmmhum... I suppose... " The lord rested his head and arms, on the firm warm chest and pressed his lips to his golden lover's. "And how was your day?" "I worried about you..." "I have only been sick a day..." "But I worry..." Glorfindel purred as he softly nuzzled his nose against Elrond's and occasionally nipped at the pouting lower lip. Elrond, out of nowhere, feeling much better as though by a miracle, and a bit of wine, naughtily gave playfully soft bites to Glorfindel's nose. "Ellrrrrond..." "Yesth?" the lord paused, his prize's tip between gentle teeth. "Let go of my nose. You're still sick... and rather irresistible." Glorfindel tried pushing him off to no avail. Elrond, unwilling to give up his recently acquired win so easily, gave another pout resorting to his childhood fuss. "Am nots *that* sick. It's mines! Mine, mine, mine, mine, MINE!" To add to his act, he even managed to fake a few held back tears. "Yes, yes. It is yours," Glorfindel sighed. "Garfinkel is mine, too." Elrond pushed him softly into the bed kissing and smiled against the tip of his lover's pinking nose. "You know I despise that name..." Elrond nodded licking at his nose. "Garfinkel is so very pretty. Ai, and he is mine. Aren't you?" 'Garfinkel,' deciding to play along, muttered, "Well, I may have to think about that..." they smiled softly to each other, both happily silent in their own little game. Elrond stroked the cheek of the reborn elder, letting a finger circle it. Glorfindel's death had been a strange separation. A moment of a separation, in their eyes at least, but still separation. Something new Elrond could add to his list... "Glorfindel, there are so many things I regret," Elrond sighed burying his face into the veil of gold that was Glorfindel's hair. "I regret the wrong choices I've made, and some of the right ones. I regret the roads I've never taken and most I've taken. I regret the hidden secrets of souls I have never revealed. I regret... I regret the times I have not lived. I can never make up for that lost time. There is so much time and yet... that is lost. Choices cannot be unmade. "And," he continued, "there are so many things to change and only we can do those things. There is just so much to do and seemingly so little time to do it in. Men and dwarves live so short a time..." At this Elrond's voice began to quiver, though why Glorfindel could never understand. "At times it is all too great a burden to bare. One can feel so trapped by it all... Thank you. Thank you... for...for" Elrond choked on his words, silent tears falling onto Glorfindel's neck. "I know," he embraced Elrond. Elrond rested peacefully, much too tired to continue. No words were spoken. Silence enclosed them as love fell onto both of them as rain. *What are words really?* Glorfindel thought. *A way of understanding, sounds, noises? But true understanding, understanding deeper than knowing, is only felt. The true beauty lies in that which goes unexplained, unspoken. For within one's heart, words do not reign, emotions do. Love is so unsuiting of a name. If only there were a word...* Yet... there was no word, though Glorfindel did find one that contented him. Elrond. He would probably hurt him... one day. And probably hurt him more than once, but... was that not truly how the world worked? One always had to pay for everything: Pain for love. Sorrow for contentment. Dark for Light. Folly for wisdom. Sickness for health. Despondency for hope. Death for life. But what would love, or life for that matter, be if there were no problems? Love leads to problems and problems lead to hope. And it was only the faithless who had no hope, it was they who were unhappy. For, is not he who is faithless the one who says farewell when the roads ahead darken? "When the night is overcome You may rise to find the sun." -May It Be The End The first time I ever wrote fanfiction or anything to let people read and comment on was slash. The first comment I received, and I remember it so well, was "Wonderfully written, but incest... that's horrible!" or something like that. And I really want to thank that person, I wish I still had their e-mail. It strongly inspired me to work harder at writing and such to get people to be more open-minded to such things and really appreciate a story for it's quality and it's message rather than what it contained. It's not how you say something, it's what you say. And well, that person made me want to write more than anything in the world. And, perhaps, I've become better at it. And well... writing, and reading, fanfiction has turned out to be quite the experience and I wouldn't trade it for the world. I don't have time to write each fanfiction, or series for that matter, I've read and why I love it but... I love them all. For those of you that have received comments from me, I hope you realize that "I loved it!" was more than I loved it. It means that I was taken by the way it was written, moved by it in some way. You're all marvelous writers and I really respect you. Thanks everyone, for your love and hate. Joy and sorrow. Feedback and flames. Compliments and criticism. Concerns and ignores. Shoulders to cry on and cries on my shoulders. Friendship and solitude. Life and Death. Wisdom and folly. Your despondency and most of all your hope, and everything else. Without any of it I would not be who I am today, nor as strong a person. I don't know what I'd do without you all. And I just can't say it enough... Thank you.